Science and Technology Fun

Combining fun and learning is easy with the many resources we have for kids in Fairfax County. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are important parts of our children’s education, but STEM leaning can be fun, too, for the whole family, with these local resources listed below! Many of the events these organizations host throughout the year are listed on our events calendar.

Science and Technology Museums– Children’s Science Center: Currently operating as “The Lab” at Fair Oaks Mall, this museum geared to children ages 2-10 focuses on teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics through fun activities and special events. Eventually it will have a full-scale facility in Loudoun County.
– Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: The Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, part of the National Air & Space Museum , has thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including a space shuttle. Events include “Super Science Saturdays” with STEM-related hands-on activities for visitors of all ages.

Science Labs and Party Places– Engineering for Kids(Fairfax Family Fun sponsor!): Engineering For Kids brings science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning and experiments to kids ages 4 to 14 in a fun and challenging way through classes, camps, clubs, and parties. They inspire children to build on their natural curiosity by teaching engineering concepts through hands-on learning!
– Fairfax Collegiate: Fairfax Collegiate offers fun and educational after-school enrichment and summer programs in robotics, programming, science, and mathematics (as well as courses in art and design, writing, filmmaking, and more) at multiple locations.
– ScienZminds: After-school programs, camps, parties, and events, with a focus on STEM and robotics.
– Ideaventions: Science and technology enrichment center in Oakton is geared to children ages 3 to 13 and focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics through classes, workshops, camps, and parties.
– Mad Science: Science and entertainment combine in special acts performed at public events in our area (and at private events and birthday parties) to bring fun science experiences to children.
– STEM Kids: Mobile science lab for kids ages 5-11 with a creative, interactive format that encourages curiosity, exploration, cooperation and a love of learning.
– Roman’s Robots: LEGO robotics parties and classes for kids ages 4 and up in Fairfax and surrounding areas.
– Curiosity Zone: Fun party spot in Ashburn (just outside Fairfax County) has hands-on science experiments in its kid-sized lab and seasonal events.

Astronomy and Aviation– Northern Virginia Astronomy Club: NOVAC is an observers club with more than 1,100 members of all ages and skill levels and hosts public viewing events.
– Observatory at Turner Farm: The Analemma Society, a non-profit group, works with the Fairfax County Park Authority to develop astronomy programs at the Turner Farm observatory in Great Falls. See their public events here.
– Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: The Udvar-Hazy Center hosts special events throughout the year including story times for kids and monthly “Super Science Saturdays” with STEM hands-on activities.

Earth Science– Fairfax County Nature Centers: The county’s four nature centers offer many programs throughout the year that combine fun with learning about plants, wildlife, and ecological concerns.
– NVRPA Roving Naturalist Program: Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority’s Roving Naturalist program hosts nature walks, hikes, canoe and kayak tours, stream/pond studies, and live animal programs for kids and adults.
– Great Falls Park: This national park in Fairfax County offers a Junior Ranger program for kids age 5 and up to learn more about nature and science.
– Mason Neck Junior Rangers: Mason Neck State Park in Lorton offers kids age 7 to 10 this hands-on environmental education program that promotes stewardship and strong conservation, recreation and protection ethics.
– Walker Nature Education Center: The mission of this center in Reston is to foster good environmental stewardship through fun educational activities and programs.
– USGS Visitor Center: Visitors to the U.S. Geological Survey National Center in Reston can learn about natural science through guided tours, hands-on experiences, and natural science products.
– Luck Stone Rock Quarry: Visit the rock quarry that provided materials that helped build Interstate 66, Dulles Airport, and many schools and hospitals and learn a bit about Fairfax geology! (No regular tours; call in advance.)

Wildlife, Farms, and Agriculture– Local parks and nature centers: Fairfax County parks, Northern Virginia Regional Parks, the Walker Nature Center, Great Falls Park, and Mason Neck State Park all listed in “Earth Sciences” above offer educational programs about local wildlife through special events and camps.
– Claude Moore Colonial Farm: Privately owned, seasonal living history farm and museum offering educational events and fun events about farming life in 1771.
– Frying Pan Farm Park: County-owned working demonstration farm that is a re-creation of the family dairy farm of the 1920s-1950s; see antique farm equipment, visit animals, and enjoy special events.

– Leesburg Animal Park: Petting zoo where kids can get up close with varied wildlife including giant turtles, goats, llamas, sheep, pigs, and more, plus see additional animals including reptiles and sloths in indoor exhibits. The park also features an indoor playground, indoor discovery zone, gift shop, and seasonal events.
– Cox Farms: Privately owned family farm in western Fairfax County features lots of farm animals, antique farming equipment, and special events.
– Ticonderoga Farms: Huge farm with more than two dozen attractions includes a petting zoo.
– Mount Vernon: The home of our nation’s first president features has a 4-acre demonstration farm and a special exhibit on George Washington the farmer.
– Heritage Farm Museum: This museum in Sterling just outside of Fairfax County brings the outdoors indoors with fun activities for kids, pretend play rooms, and lots of historic farming equipment.
– Reston Zoo: Small zoo in Vienna with exotic animals, a petting barn and a “zoofari” wagon ride.

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